Unexpected Severe Reaction to Cannabis in 2022: Ongoing Sensitivity to Stimulants Without a Clear Diagnosis
Hello everyone, I’m a 23-year-old female seeking insights or shared experiences that might shed light on a puzzling situation with my health. I've visited a neurologist, but unfortunately, I left without any conclusive answers. The doctor seemed dismissive, almost as if I were fabricating my symptoms. My primary care physician suggested I seek a second opinion, yet with the years passing, I haven’t taken that step. To some, this might seem trivial, yet it has profoundly impacted my life, and I feel like I’ve changed since then. From 2019 until October 2022, I could smoke marijuana and enjoy alcohol regularly without any problems. Both seemed manageable for me, and while I occasionally smoked spliffs, I wasn’t heavily into vaping nicotine. It felt completely normal during that time. However, everything shifted in October 2022 when I went on a cruise with my fiancé. While the trip went smoothly—enjoying drinks and using vape pens—things took a dark turn when we returned home and I tried smoking flower again. Suddenly, I experienced an overwhelming sensation of lightheadedness and dizziness, accompanied by an unsettling feeling of detachment from my body, as if I were repeatedly falling. Panic set in as I desperately tried to hydrate, but my body began to shake uncontrollably. I rushed to my room, fearing I would faint, and found myself struggling to communicate, uttering only single words like “water” or “now.” My heart raced wildly, my breath felt labored, and my limbs were twitching. It felt like it lasted an eternity. That incident left me deeply traumatized. In the following weeks, my reactions fluctuated; some days I could enjoy alcohol or smoke without a hitch, while on others, the terrifying symptoms would strike again, increasingly often. Eventually, I experienced these episodes even while entirely sober, particularly after consuming salty or sugary foods. I eliminated caffeine from my diet, despite never being a heavy user. Everything seemed so erratic. A particularly severe reaction even required me to go to the emergency room, where the attending physician simply remarked, "Sometimes strange things happen to otherwise healthy young adults. I can’t diagnose this, but here’s some Xanax for any panic attacks." Now, looking back, it has been months since that initial episode, and I haven’t touched marijuana since. Some might say that’s for the best, but it has been a letdown. I genuinely appreciated the medicinal and spiritual qualities of cannabis, and its absence in my life feels like a loss, especially socially. Even now, I feel a wave of anxiety at the thought of having a sip of alcohol or coffee. My body instantly reacts in a negative way, and I avoid cannabis entirely, particularly since the nearest emergency room is a 40-minute drive away. I can’t help but question if this might be a form of PTSD stemming from those harrowing experiences; has my body developed an exaggerated anxiety response? It has indeed improved over time and occurs less frequently, yet I remain acutely aware of my physical state, constantly bracing myself for what feels like an impending crisis. Recent blood tests indicated possible hypothyroidism, but I'm uncertain whether this could be linked to my original episodes, or if it's something that has emerged subsequently. I have sought help from a few healthcare providers—about three in total—but none have provided satisfactory answers. Now at 23, I’m not wallowing in sadness over my inability to partake in leisure activities, yet it's disappointing that social events, like enjoying a drink with friends or unwinding with some cannabis, now make me feel as if I'm in peril. This is especially disheartening given that I once enjoyed such activities without issue. It truly felt like my life drastically altered in the blink of an eye… and I’m still searching for the reasons. Has anyone here faced something similar? Or do you have any insights into what I might be experiencing? Thank you for taking the time to read this! :)
Answers (1)
6/15/2025, 10:10:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience, and I truly empathize with the distress and confusion that these changes in your health have caused you. It sounds incredibly challenging to cope with these unexpected reactions and the impact they've had on your life, especially after enjoying those activities without issue for so long.
Main Points
- Change in Response to Cannabis and Alcohol: Your body seems to have developed a heightened sensitivity to stimulants and similar substances, which could be linked to anxiety responses or a form of trauma.
- Potential Role of Hypothyroidism: Possible hypothyroidism could play a role in your symptoms, and it’s essential to explore this further.
- Understanding Anxiety and PTSD: It’s possible that the trauma from your experiences has triggered a persistent anxiety response, which could manifest as physical symptoms when you are exposed to alcohol or cannabis.
Explanation
The sudden onset of distressing symptoms after your cannabis use may indicate a change in how your body processes these substances. This might not only be a physical response but could also be tied to anxiety or even a trauma response. The feelings of lightheadedness, shaking, and detachment you experienced could relate to a panic attack or an anxiety episode that has now created an expectation of fear when thinking about using these substances again.
Hypothyroidism can affect numerous bodily functions, including mood regulation and energy levels, which might be compounding your symptoms. It's wise to investigate this connection further with a healthcare provider who can help monitor your thyroid levels.
Next Steps
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, what you consumed, and your emotional state. This can help identify triggers and patterns.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: Seek further evaluation for your thyroid function and discuss your symptoms. A psychiatrist or a therapist trained in trauma and anxiety can help you process these experiences and manage your reactions.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Explore mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or grounding techniques that can help soothe anxiety when the fear of symptoms arises.
- Gradual Exposure: Once you feel ready, consider gradual exposure to substances in a safe and controlled environment, starting with small amounts to see how your body reacts. This could help desensitize your anxiety response over time.
Remember, it’s essential to prioritize your mental and physical health. Being gentle with yourself as you navigate these feelings is crucial. You’re not alone in this experience, and there is support available to help you regain a sense of normalcy and joy in activities you once enjoyed. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further detail on any of these suggestions.
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